It’s the last day before Easter and it feels like I’ve been driving a Scaletrix car. In fact, the 370Z Nismo not only looks like a crazy toy coupe, it performs like one as well.

In Nismo clothing, the 370Z is equipped with a huge rear spoiler that harks back to the 1980s. In fact, it actually gives the 370Z negative lift, or downforce, and therefore does serve a purpose. Quite important in a car capable of 155mph and 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds.

First impressions of the Nismo? Well, the styling means it’s not for the shy, retiring type. It’s reminds me of a retro muscle car, bristling with macho appeal, loud, slightly offensive and raw, in a refined ‘Nissan’ way, of course.

And because of all that grunt under the bonnet, it goes well too! There’s a long throw on the manual gearbox which only adds to the retro appeal but wind up the V6 and the Nismo really does feel fantastic.

Nissan, it seems, still know how to build a brute of a sports car. The downside? The price…